Ireland 2010

World Championships and Gradings

The Malta Tang Soo Do attended this event under the guidance of Instructor Ian Wallace who also got his Masters Belt at this tournament. The Team consisted of Svetlana Wallace, Charlene Vella, Kurt Vella, Gilbert Gauci, Alejandro Brincat and Kyle Lauri. The Malta Tang Soo Do Team achieved some good results in this tournament with a total of 8 Medals, Gold in team European Demo, and 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze in Sparring and Hyungs. This was also the first experience for Svetlana, Charlene and Kurt in the adult categories. At this tournament Svetlana Wallace, Charlene Vella and Kurt Vella also graded for their 3rd Dan Belt which they also achieved.

Master Wallace Getting His Masters Belt

On June 25th, 2010 after many hard Masters' training camps, Master Wallace was awarded his 4th Dan. His belt was presented in the ritual way by Kwan Jang Nim Ki Yun Yi, founder of the International Martial Arts Association.

Training for his belt was not easy Master Wallace explains, it was as much mental as it was physical, throughout his development through years of training Tang Soo Do it was clear that the fundamental character that Master Wallace built over the years was to be pushed beyond his state of mind.

Over the camps that took place unity grew between the masters training together, it was clear that the whole intention for the camp was far deeper than just a training session or grading, it was this that reminded master Wallace that It is natural to forget this and focus on teaching or training the physical techniques, he stresses that we must make a conscience effort to remember the spiritual side of training as well. This is why I.M.A has remained a traditional organization because of the tight friendship / unity and leadership skills within it.

This is what Master S Nar intended never to become a sport organization or sport motivated. This is what keeps the I.M.A unique from other Martial art groups. The training must begin and continue with building the character of each member. Training is for a lifetime, and perfection of character must be the ultimate goal always. If everyone practices this principle, then regardless of the culture or nationality, we are all the same and we are contributing to make the individual student instilled with the tenants and codes we follow.